UCF fraternity’s suspension lifted

A University of Central Florida fraternity where two men were accused of raping a woman who attended a party last month has been released from its interim suspension, though the chapter could face additional sanctions later.

Alpha Tau Omega has agreed not to hold any fall 2017 social events, according to documents released by UCF and the national fraternity Thursday.

The decision, which came after a hearing Wednesday, means the fraternity’s suspension will be lifted during the university’s conduct review process, spokeswoman Courtney Gilmartin said. The process could last months and include additional hearings, according to the student handbook. The university could impose a long-term suspension or revoke the chapter’s charter or impose a number of less serious penalties.

Antonio Camargos Ortiz Candido, 21, and Alexander Emilio Garces, 22, were arrested and charged with sexual battery and kidnap or false imprisonment earlier this month. They have since been suspended from the chapter, said Wynn Smiley, the CEO of the national organization. Candido graduated from UCF in the spring.

Though the two men accused of the rape were members of the fraternity, and the incident took place in the ATO house, it had “nothing to do with the chapter,” he said, adding that the fraternity is working with the authorities conducting the criminal investigation.